The closing session of the 11th Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Aviation Week 2026), hosted by Egypt, saw the honoring of Mohamed Rahma on taking up his new post as ICAO Regional Director for the Middle East. Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El Hefny presented him with the ministry's shield in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding contributions to supporting the international civil aviation system.
El Hefny said the honor reflects the Egyptian state's appreciation for national talents who have represented Egypt honorably in international organizations, noting that Mohamed Rahma has carried out his responsibilities throughout his years of service with the utmost professionalism and commitment, contributed effectively to supporting ICAO programs and strengthened constructive cooperation with member states, positively affecting the development of civil aviation and efforts to upgrade air transport in the region.
The minister added that ICAO's selection of Mohamed Rahma for the post of Regional Director for the Middle East crowns a career full of achievement and reflects the trust he enjoys within the organization, expressing full confidence that he will continue to deliver with the same competence and professionalism, supporting the implementation of ICAO plans, serving the goals of developing civil aviation in Africa and the Middle East and strengthening Egypt's standing in the international civil aviation system.
In the same context, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar praised Mohamed Rahma's professional competence and broad experience, saying he is one of the organization's distinguished senior leaders and that his career has been marked by professionalism, the ability to lead teams and the achievement of tangible results, qualifying him for his new responsibilities.
For his part, Mohamed Rahma expressed his deep gratitude to Dr. Sameh El Hefny for the honor, saying this generous gesture is a source of pride and reflects the Egyptian state's appreciation for its citizens working in international forums. He also expressed his appreciation for the support he has received throughout his career from the Egyptian government, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and ICAO, noting that his years at the organization have been a rich professional experience that strengthened his belief in the value of partnership and teamwork in achieving civil aviation goals.
